10 Signs of a Serious Relationship

While some dalliances don’t get beyond the third date, some actually evolve quite a bit over the course of time. The following signs point to a solid future.

Image courtesy: Thinkstock/Gettyimages

You’re (almost) always together: And in case this is not possible, you grab every chance to spend time with each other. You always have things to share, or simply revel in that glorious thing called companionable silence.

This is my boyfriend/girlfriend: When you introduce each other to friends and colleagues as your better half, you know something serious could well be taking form. Not many people go around publicising their “relationships” with sex friends or losers they’re ashamed to date but date anyway.

PDA could well be your middle name: The PDA you indulge in is not the over-aggressive I’ll-rip-your-clothes-off-in-public kind. Rather, it’s a little bubble where only the two of you exist — eyes locked, fingers entwined, bodies subtly touching...

Nakedness is not a big deal: Not the nakedness that’s a natural part of having sex… with the lights dimmed, the blankets covering half your body and your eyes not drawn to dimpled cellulite and love handles. When you start nonchalantly changing/showering in front of each other, it’s a big step up.

You value each other’s opinions: When faced with issues regarding your career, family, friends — and of course, your relationship — you take important decisions together. You talk about things and then come to a consensus, as opposed to a situation where you decide all by yourself and coolly him or vice-versa.

Families have been met: If this doesn’t spell S-E-R-I-O-U-S, what does? The very fact that you’ve met his folks and that he’s met yours means you’re in it for the whole haul. And if your peeps have met each other, woohoo!

You know each other’s financial situation: Have you begun sharing account details and bank statements? It definitely shows a deep commitment to each other.

At home in each other’s homes: His pad could well be a second home for you, and vice-versa. If you’ve gone as far as exchanging keys, you might just be exchanging rings/vows soon.

The future has been discussed: You’ve spoken about moving in together or getting married at a certain point in the future. about holidays you’ll take together, the kind of home you’ll live in, your kids’ names... stuff like that.

You take each other for granted: While this definitely isn’t a good thing for any relationship (even with a family member/friend), it could be interpreted as a sign that (s)he will be there with you through thick and thin. Don’t (let him) take it too far through! ;)